Kecia Steelman has been announced as the new CEO of Ulta Beauty. The previous CEO of Ulta Beauty, Dave Kimbell, took retirement after serving at Ulta Beauty for eleven years (since 2014).

This leadership change follows the retirement of Dave Kimbell, who has been with Ulta Beauty for eleven years.

Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer of Ulta Beauty, stepped down on Monday, surprising many industry insiders. Kecia Steelman, president and chief operating officer, will succeed him as president and CEO and will join the company’s board. Kimbell will serve as an adviser to the company through June 28.

"It's been a crazy 24 hours, that's for sure, but it's been really exciting at the same time," said Kecia Steelman, the newly minted chief executive officer and president of Ulta Beauty, in an exclusive interview with WWD on Tuesday.

(Reuters) -Cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty on Monday forecast a strong fourth quarter and said insider Kecia Steelman will replace retiring CEO Dave Kimbell in the top role, sending its shares up 1.5% in extended trading.

Kecia Steelman named President and Chief Executive Officer of Ulta Beauty. (Photo: Business Wire)

Ulta Beauty has named Kecia Steelman as its chief executive, succeeding David Kimbell, as the company aims to reaccelerate its growth amid a global slowdown in the beauty market.

Ulta Beauty has announced the retirement of Dave Kimbell as chief executive officer after 11 years with the business. The company said Kecia Steelman, president and chief operating officer, will succeed Kimbell as president and CEO.

CEO Dave Kimbell is stepping down effective immediately, Ulta said Monday, and will stay on as an advisor through June 28.

Key Takeaways Ulta Beauty said CEO Dave Kimbell is retiring after 11 years at the company, effective Monday.Kimbell will be succeeded by Chief Operating Officer Kecia Steelman.The cosmetics retailer also said it expects its fourth-quarter operating margin to land above the high end of its previously estimated range.